Cold boat, warm gear, and a sky show. This northern lights cruise from Reykjavik takes you out toward Faxafloi Bay to hunt the aurora, and your guide works to separate the myths from the real physics behind the lights. I love the included thermal overalls (so you are not stuck buying pricey winter gear), and I also like the heated indoor seating with free WiFi to keep you comfortable between sky checks.

The cruise is also a very “real weather” experience. If the night gets too windy or cloudy, you may end up watching a lot of darkness—plus the boat can feel crowded, so deck space may be limited. Still, when it works, the lights can be startlingly clear, and guides like Lukas can help you aim your camera and look smarter fast.

If you do not see anything, you get a second chance, and the crew takes photos on board that you can download free of charge.

Key things to know before you go

• Thermal overalls are included in adult and children’s sizes, with no need to bring bulky gear
• Heated indoor seating and free WiFi keep the long cold stretches tolerable
• Aurora talks mix myths and science, so it feels like an evening with a purpose, not just standing outside
• Photos are taken for you, plus staff can help with photography on board
• You can try again for free if your cruise has no sightings
• Backup plan exists when sea conditions are poor, including a bus option

Sailing Out of Reykjavik: What the 2.5 Hours Feels Like

This is a straightforward evening cruise aimed at maximizing your odds. You start at Special Tours Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík, then step aboard a sightseeing boat for about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). From there, you cruise into Faxafloi Bay to get away from the city lights and improve what you can see.

The rhythm is simple. You spend time moving between the heated viewing area (or indoor lounge) and the deck, where stargazing actually happens. The guide is part of the “flow” of the night—explaining what to look for, where to look, and what makes the aurora behave the way it does.

A practical note: the tour can run with large numbers. The maximum is 198 travelers, and some nights the boat can feel full, which affects how much comfortable space you have outside. If you hate feeling packed in, show up early, be ready to move with the crowd, and don’t count on a perfect viewing spot.

Faxafloi Bay and Less Light Pollution: Why the Cruise Works

The northern lights are not a button you press. They depend on solar activity, cloud cover, and your ability to see faint light against the sky. That’s why this cruise structure matters: you go out from Reykjavík into darker waters, which helps your eyes do their job.

You will also hear a clear explanation of the phenomenon itself. The aurora happens when charged particles in Earth’s atmosphere collide, producing those vivid colors overhead. Your guide’s job is to keep the stories fun without letting the myths replace the science.

One small but important detail: the night can turn into a waiting game. The tour is designed for that. You’re not stuck in the cold with nothing to do. You have warmth, you have guidance, and you have regular chances to check the sky as conditions shift.

Thermal Overalls and Heated Seating: Warmth Without the Gear Headache

Iceland winter can humble your packing list fast. The big win here is that thermal overalls are included, and there are children’s sizes too. That means you can travel lighter and avoid expensive, bulky purchases that you might never use again.

The warmth setup is what makes this cruise workable for more people. You can put on the overalls, then layer normally underneath (whatever you already own). On windy nights, that matters. Some feedback describes boats feeling choppy or the deck moving more than expected, and thermal gear helps you handle that without turning the trip into a cold-weather survival story.

Inside the boat, you get heated seating and free WiFi. That’s not just a comfort perk—it gives you a place to warm up and reset when your fingers go numb. If you like having a quick way to check messages or take a break from the deck, it’s a handy extra.

What the Guide Teaches: Myths, Science, and How to Look Smarter

This is more than a “go outside and hope” tour. Your guide tells you local myths and gives scientific explanations for what you’re seeing. It’s a good mix because it keeps the aurora from feeling like random luck. You get context, and you also get a framework for reading the night sky.

If you want a concrete example of the vibe, one guide named Lukas stood out for being helpful and organized, with staff focused on how to take better photos. Another common theme is that guides explain not only what aurora is, but how to watch for it in real time—so you are not staring at the sky like it’s a vending machine.

Expect the guidance to include practical stargazing tips. You’ll hear what to watch for, and you’ll get direction on deck. Sometimes the aurora arrives quickly; other times it shows up later. The guide helps you keep your attention on what matters instead of getting bored.

Deck Time and Photo Help: Making the Most of Green Curtains

You’ll spend time outdoors stargazing, and you can do it two ways. Either you stay on deck to see it directly, or you hunker down in the viewing area with something warm while the sky does its thing.

Hot drinks and refreshments are available to purchase on board. The tour is not built around included meals, so bring spending money if you want cocoa or other items. If you prefer to keep it simple, you can also just focus on layering up and using the heated indoor space between sky checks.

Photography is a major part of the experience. The cruise includes pictures taken on every tour, available to download free of charge. On top of that, crew members can help with photography while you’re on board. That matters because aurora photos are not always point-and-shoot friendly.

From the advice you hear in the group, two things matter most:

• Put on the thermal overalls early, then focus on stable shooting rather than wrestling cold gear
• Have your camera ready so you can act the moment the lights appear

Also, be realistic about movement. A few experiences describe windy or rougher water that made it harder to take steady shots. If you know you get motion sick easily, consider that and plan for indoor breaks.

When You Don’t See the Aurora: Free Re-Try and Real Backup Plans

Northern lights sightings are never guaranteed. This tour is honest about that: it runs subject to favorable weather conditions. The best part is that if nothing shows on your night, you can get another ticket to join on the next available day.

This re-try option is a big value lever. You are paying for the experience of going out to hunt the aurora, not just paying for a single moment of green sky. If you are staying several nights in Reykjavík, the free rebook can dramatically improve your odds without paying twice.

Backup plans exist for specific problems too. If the weather still looks promising for the lights but sea conditions are poor, the tour may switch to a Northern Lights by Bus option instead. The idea is that you can still keep searching for aurora from land while avoiding an uncomfortable water ride.

One caution: the rebook experience depends on availability. If you’re trying to use the free ticket for the exact next night and the schedule is full, it may take some coordination. Build a little flexibility into your Iceland plan if you can.

Price and Value: What $108.13 Buys You in Practice

At $108.13 per person, this is not “cheap,” but it is also not wildly priced for Reykjavík in winter. What makes it feel fair is what you get packaged together.

Here’s the value breakdown:

• Thermal overalls included, so you’re not buying gear just to stand in the cold
• Heated indoor seating and free WiFi, which makes the waiting part tolerable
• Photos included, with free downloads
• Staff help for photography, which can save you from wasting your best camera settings on a trial run
• Free re-try if no aurora, which can turn one paid night into two chances

Add those up and you’re paying for comfort, guidance, and odds—not just transportation. If your goal is the northern lights but you also want an organized night with warmth and photos, this is a solid value route.

The main cost you may face is the optional stuff. Food and drink are not included; you can purchase refreshments on board. If you want hotel transfers, that can be added for an additional fee, and the tour ends back at the meeting point unless the option for hotel drop-off is selected.

Getting There and Back: Simple Logistics in Reykjavík

The meeting point is Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. It is near public transportation, which makes it easier if you don’t want to rely on taxis all evening.

After the cruise, you return to the start point and your tour ends back at the meeting point. If you selected hotel drop-off, you will get it after the tour. The schedule and exact timing can shift with conditions, so I’d treat the night as flexible.

If you are building your Iceland itinerary, think of this as an evening activity that works well early in your stay. If your first attempt fails due to clouds or aurora timing, you still have a chance to try again while you’re nearby.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This boat cruise fits you if you want the classic northern lights hunt but hate the idea of freezing for hours with no plan. Included thermal overalls and heated indoor seating turn it into a more humane winter outing.

It’s also a good match if you care about photos. With free onboard photos and crew photo help, you’re not stuck hoping your own settings magically work.

It might not be ideal if you strongly dislike crowded spaces or you know you hate boat movement. Some accounts describe limited room on deck and, in certain cases, smaller boats that feel tight. If you’re very sensitive to motion or claustrophobia, consider whether you’d rather choose a different format like a land-based hunt (depending on what’s available on your dates).

Should You Book This Northern Lights Cruise?

Yes—if you’re staying multiple nights in Reykjavík and you want a warm, guided aurora search with photos handled for you. The included overalls and heated space solve two of the biggest Iceland winter problems: cold and boredom. The free re-try option is the real confidence booster, because it turns the odds game into something you can keep working.

Before you book, check your own comfort level with winter boat rides. If windy nights make you uneasy, you might still enjoy the experience, but plan for indoor breaks and try not to expect a perfectly steady deck.

If your top priority is seeing the aurora at any cost, remember this truth: even the best cruise cannot control cloud cover. Your best move is to pick a night when you have time to try again.

FAQ

How long is the northern lights cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the cruise start in Reykjavík?

The meeting point is Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Are thermal overalls included?

Yes. Thermal overalls are included, and they are also available in children’s sizes.

Is there heated seating and WiFi on board?

Yes. There is free WiFi and heated indoor seating.

What if we do not see the northern lights?

If you do not spot the lights on your tour, you can join the cruise again for free on the next available day.

Are photos included?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every tour and you can download them for free.

Can I buy food and drinks during the cruise?

Food and drink are not included, but refreshments are available to purchase on board.

What happens if weather or sea conditions are poor?

The experience runs subject to favorable weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund (if you have not joined the tour previously). If sea conditions are poor but lights still look possible, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel drop-off is available if you select the option, and hotel pick up can be booked for an extra fee.

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